January 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

FROM THE EDITOR

This month we highlight the 13th IAVE Asia-Pacific Regional Conference. IAVE members in the region have worked together to ensure a regional conference every two years for almost 25 years! Hooray for them!!

We also feature reports from members on their IYV+10 activities. Please continue to send your reports on that work plus other things you are doing to kenn@civilsocietyconsulting.com. Thanks!

THE 13TH IAVE ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE: AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONFERENCE

“Volunteer Initiatives for a Sustainable Global Community: Climate Changes, Poverty, Conflict, and Natural Disasters”

The 13th IAVE Asia-Pacific Regional Volunteer Conference took place on October 28-31, 2011, in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.

In line with the theme, the conference embraced four tracks – Climate Changes, Poverty, Conflict, and Natural Disasters. In addition to these four tracks, the Conference had opportunities talking about special issues specific to volunteering: corporate volunteering, volunteer management, volunteer centers, and definition of volunteerism.

The Asia-Pacific region is a densely populated area where about 70% of the world’s population dwell. it has been showing dynamic and rapid economic growth with the world’s largest number of billionaires. Unfortunately, however, these socio-economic developments and changes brought about immense environmental problems and loss of cultural identities.

The largest impacts of climate change and natural disasters are also in the Asia-Pacific region. Such serious and continuous cases indicate that the region is suffering from the adverse impacts of climate changes and natural disasters. Such catastrophic events also lead to poverty and conflict, as they damage human wellbeing and often contribute to social instability.

The conference offered opportunities to rethink whether we are fully aware of these issues and if our volunteering practices are effective in protecting our global community against these precarious and inevitable life conditions of our generation. The conference highlighted that the issues and problems that we face cannot be managed only by governmental or corporate efforts. Participants discussed that volunteers, volunteer managers, and all other stakeholders from diverse sectors need to discuss and share how to live together, to cooperate, and to make common agenda for action.

The Speakers

Excellent speakers gave presentations on the theme. There were 5 plenary speakers and 3 special lecture speakers for two Plenary Sessions, 8 speakers for 4 forums on the tracks of the theme and 8 speakers for 4 forums on the special topics. 57 workshop speakers gave presentations for 23 workshop topics.

Among the plenary speakers, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and Mr. Sombath Somphone, both of whom are the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award winners, gave inspiring speeches on poverty reduction and volunteering. Her Royal Highness Princess Azizah Sultan Iskandar of Malaysia spoke on how climate changes, poverty, conflict and natural disasters are interconnected and how volunteering can help overcome these issues.

Also:

• Dr. Eun-Kyung Park, the president of Korea Water Forum, emphasized that we had to raise awareness on the urgency of “eco-efficiency” and “reduction of carbon foot-print” and the role of volunteers in Sustainable development. 
• Prof. Fumiko Mega showed the importance of the volunteers in disaster relief of March 11th earthquake in Japan. 
• Dr. Sam-Uel Lee, the Director General of Ecopeace Asia, presented excellent examples of volunteering in conflict resolution in Asia region. 
• Mr. Hyun-Jin Moon, the founder of World Service for Peace, talked about the effective community development driven by developing excellent volunteer programs. 
• Dr. Yun-Jie Lee, the Minister of National Youth Commission of Taiwan, gave a special lecture, “Toward Good Governance – the Implications of Volunteer Services in Taiwan.”

About the Conference

The conference was co-hosted by IAVE, Volunteering Korea, Gyeongsangnam-do Volunteer Council. and the conference organizing committee and was organized by Gyeongsangnam-do Volunteer Council and Gyeongsangnam-do Volunteer Center. The Conference included a “youth forum” as a part of the conference program, organized by the Korea Work Youth Agency.

The conference involved 719 delegates, including speakers, from 36 countries with 522 delegates from Korea and 197 delegates from 24 countries in the region and also from Africa, North America, South America and Europe. The conference was built on the efforts of 47 staff persons and 100 volunteers.

There were field visits after the closing ceremony in five sites including the “millennial anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana world culture festival.”

THE CONFERENCE STATEMENT

At the closing ceremony, the participants also adopted a statement declaring their intent to put forward more efforts to spread and expand volunteer activities. It says:

1st, Volunteering & Climate Changes

The conference discussed methods and tools for cooperation and considerate actions in many levels from individuals to the global community, as we get more exposed to threats to our lives and the ecosystem caused by climate change. The conference emphasised that volunteering is crucial in providing solutions and alternative lifestyles for those affected.

2nd, Volunteering & Poverty

It is now well recognized Volunteer efforts are necessary to achieve MDGs set up by the United Nations to reduce poverty in the world. The conference discussed different ways and means used by volunteers to reduce poverty through improvement of education, community development, etc.

3rd, Volunteering & Conflict

Conflicts break out for many reasons: religion, cultural differences, race, history, territorial disputes, limited resources, etc. The conference brought out the fact that such conflicts, however, cannot be resolved without open communication, dialogue and deeper understanding of various interest groups to create peace.

4th, Volunteering & Natural Disasters

One of the most prominent roles of volunteers is natural disaster relief work. The effect of Japan and Thailand’s disaster was on the foremost of recent experiences and critical lessons learnt were shared. It was realized that it was time to step up to better policy, strategy, implementation/management for volunteer works for sustained preparedness.

5th, International Cooperation

In this new global era, international cooperation for volunteering are strongly needed especially for disaster relief and poverty reduction.

We are going to sustain our collaborative efforts among Government, Corporations and NGOS/NPOs in making effective partnership, developing better programs and establishing efficient volunteer management systems.

A SPECIAL STATEMENT FROM THE IAVE NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES IN ASIA-PACIFIC

National Representatives are volunteers – individuals, often with the support of the organizations with which they are affiliated – who have stepped forward as IAVE’s “on the ground” representatives in 40+ countries throughout the world.

At the closing ceremony, the IAVE National Representatives from the Asia-Pacific region announced their “Changwon Agreement” that will guide their collaborative work. It reads:

SEEDS

We, IAVE National Representatives, agree to:

Strengthen communication between and among National Representatives s in the Asia-Pacific Region;

Embrace collaborations between and among volunteers and the volunteer-involving organizations in Asia Pacific Region;

Encourage IAVE membership from at least 16 to 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific Region by the next regional conference;

Design and promote “International Volunteer Day” at the country and regional levels.

Sustain the ‘spirit’ of volunteering in the global community.

INSPIRING PRACTICES IN CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING SHOWCASED AT THE CONFERENCE

[This report comes from Sarah Hayes, consultant director of IAVE’s Global Corporate Volunteer Council, who coordinated the sessions on corporate volunteering at the conference.]

Many thanks are due to Samsung, a founding member of IAVE’s Global Corporate Volunteer Council (GCVC), for its sponsorship support and commitment to the conference.

Participants who attended the workshops and forums focused on corporate volunteering were treated to some of the most interesting and innovative practices being carried out in Asia, as well as some very charismatic personalities.

IAVE’s GCVC companies were well represented at the conference. Speakers from those companies included Chang Insung and Park Manwoo from Samsung, Mr. David Boyd-Thomas from UBS in Hong Kong, Vivian Fung from Hong Kong Disneyland. Lee Yoon-Ah and Shim Jin-Kyung from SK Telecom in Korea brought along a whole team of enthusiastic university students involved in SK’s “Sunny” Volunteer Program, an innovative initiative involving hundreds of university students across Korea, and which has branched out into other countries as well.

Additional corporate speakers included Hamid Rahim from Rahim Motors in Kashmir, Mr. Kim Hyong-dong from Gyeongnam Bank, educational activist and radio personality Casey Lartigue, and Shalabh Sahai from iVolunteer in India.

Employee volunteering continues to be a growing component of many company CSR efforts. Employees themselves are dedicated to numerous issues across the globe, some of which include environmental causes, education, bridging the digital divide, disease and disaster prevention and recovery. A great number of these important topics in employee volunteering were addressed by the speakers.

The 13th IAVE Asia Pacific Regional Conference was a wonderful setting to showcase how companies and their dedicated employee volunteers are making a difference throughout Asia. Thanks to all who brought their ideas and passion to this event.

VOICES FROM THE CONFERENCE

[Too often we rush from one activity to another without expressing our appreciation for the one just ended. Here are some wonderful thoughts from IAVE leaders who participated in the 2011 Asia-Pacific regional conference.]

Dr. Kang-Hyun Lee, World President, IAVE, to Yoonae Park, IAVE National Representative, South Korea

The conference was a great success for all delegates who participated. I know that you could not sleep so many nights for this conference and prepared a statement for the conference although it was not planned. I deeply appreciate your effort to this conference and thank you million times. Without your dedication to this conference, it could not happen.

I also would like to express my sincere gratitude to all National Representatives in the Asia-Pacific, region even those who were not able to participate with various reasons since they were very cooperative to make this conference happen.

Indira Dasgupta, Asia-Pacific Regional Representative to the IAVE Board of Directors, to Yoonae Park

Thank you very much indeed for gifting IAVE Asia Pacific with such a wonderful and high quality conference. It was wonderful to know you as a person who worked with such high efficiency in a quiet, confident and humble manner , attentive to every detail. I hope you will continue to engage with and further the strength of IAVE in years to come.

The Conference felt like a family reunion since the size was 'just right'. The food was scrumptious and the ambience heartwarming. The speakers were well chosen and the speeches set wonderful directions in what constitutes the 'spirit' of volunteering amidst poverty , conflict and natural disasters.

With warm regards and good cheer, a toast to the job well done!

Win Mektripp, IAVE National Representative, Thailand

It's more than “thank you” to the Changwon conference. Your enthusiasm and peaceful effort was more than what we can see and expect. The support of the conference organizing committee has [given a] great chance for Thai delegates and speaker to join conference, more than before.

Debbie Huang, IAVE National Representative, Taiwan, to Yoonae Park

We are so pleased to have the first agreement among IAVE National Representatives at this moment. Yoonae, you have created such a good environment and atmosphere for us to work together. You have shown the respects to all NRs in this conference and let us feel connected.

Undral Gombodorj, IAVE National Representative, Mongolia

For me it was my first participation in an IAVE live event. Attending live events is one of the best ways to network, connect with amazing people, build relationships and learn from inspiring speakers. Plus, live events are where the SEEDS of mutually beneficial partnerships are often planted. It was for me a super valuable and energizing experience! THANK YOU ALL again and again!

Akiko Seto, IAVE National Representative and President, IAVE Japan

First of everything, I, on behalf of the Japanese delegates, would like to express a special and deep appreciation to Ms. Yoonae Park for all her dedicated effort and work. We have been aware well of her humble attitude with a strong mind of responsibilities inside. We also would like to send our heartfelt gratitude to all the persons who hosted the conference and support the participants in many ways with voluntary spirit.

The conference was most meaningful to be held in Asia Pacific region. Since you set the registration fees reasonably low for the youth and adult participants, we could send 32 Japanese participants. Conference theme was very timing and we could share our experience with many overseas delegates regarding the Great Northeastern Earthquake. It was a huge natural disaster, however we learned a lot how we have to face such calamity as human being.

Susie Bugante, IAVE Philippines

On behalf of the Philippine delegation allow me to express our commendation for the excellent preparations and conduct of the 13th IAVE Asia Pacific Conference. The warm hospitality you have shown and the enthusiasm and helpfulness of your young volunteers have truly helped our stay in Changwon a truly enjoyable and memorable one.

We have learned so much, not only about the topics discussed in the conference but also about Korean culture and way of life. Kamsa hamida and congratulations!

Likie Lee, Hong Kong

On behalf of the HK delegates, we'd also like to send our deepest appreciation to Ms Yoonae Park and the Korea volunteers for their dedicated effort in making the conference a great success. They all did a great job in every aspect; and we can feel the hospitality, well-organization and spirit of volunteerism all around in the conference. Thank you so much for all your great effort ! We appreciated it very much !

IYV+10: REPORTS FROM OUR MEMBERS

A REPORT FROM NIGERIA

[From Lilian Oluchi Agbanyim, our National Representative in Nigeria. She can be reached at luchees2002@yahoo.com.]

A three day event on entrepreneurship training and community volunteer outreach commemorating IYV+10, built on the theme “Volunteers of Nigeria: Towards National Development,” took place July 14-16, 2011 at Bwari Area Council Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria.

The event kicked off with a two day certificate training on Community Entrepreneurship Education and Development. The participants were drawn from the Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory. The aim of the training was to build the capacity of the selected youths in the community towards setting up and running a viable business and also to teach them about community Volunteerism and how they can contribute to the development of their community through active volunteerism.

At the end of the second day of training the participants embarked on a tree planting session as part of the community development project to mitigate the effects of climate change and desertification. Each participant planted a tree and was charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the tree grows to full maturity as part of efforts to encourage community development through volunteering.

A series of activities was lined up for the final day of the event, starting with a presentation of certificates of participation to all the participants. It was followed by free cancer and HIV screening, distribution of free mosquito nets and “Mama Kits” for pregnant and nursing mothers. This was followed by some entertainment and appreciation speech from a representative of the community. The event ended with a friendly football match between the UN Volunteers team and the Bwari Area Council football team.

The event was a partnership of over 20 international, national and local NGOs, UN agencies and government bodies.

A REPORT FROM MEXICO

[From Susana Barnetche, IAVE National Representative in Mexico. She can be reached at susmart@prodigy.net.mx.]

Our prolific pace during 2011 resulted in the successful establishment of the Mexican Alliance for Volunteering (AMEVOL)! It is designed to encourage, promote, support, enrich, increase and strengthen both volunteering and the network developed to capitalize on current volunteer work carried out around our country by maximizing efforts and tackling obstacles.

Also, our National Geographical and Statistics Institute created a “satellite account” to visibly reflect the Third Sector and volunteering in Mexico.

We received the International Volunteer Flag from the ALLIANZE in its tour around the world last September, and organized a Volunteer Flag Contest that took place in the Practices Stadium of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) where students were inspired to re-invent their own Volunteer Flag. The winners won a scholarship to carry out international volunteering during 2013.

Also the 2nd Volunteering National Fair, organized by the Fundación Nosotros los Jóvenes, was organized by a committee of 22 volunteer organizations, and took place at the UNAM campus with more than 100 stands and the participation of government authorities, civil society organizations and many volunteers.

As part of the Flag Tour, there was a “Volunteering Walk” that started from the Homeland Altar, where an immeasurable variety of volunteers from all over the country (health, education, children, poverty, hunger, human rights, environment, art, etc.) gathered for a panoramic photo, while a performance from the National Arts Centre energized the event.

Once gathered, almost a thousand volunteers, walked to the Minor Lake in Chapultepec Park, animated by a “batucada” inviting all the park visitors to join. On the “island” the Marine Band played the National Anthem, while the Scouts Escort waved our National Flag. Then a High School Escort passed the Volunteering Flag to the Preschool Escort, as a signal of passing the dignity to younger generations. A human chain was formed!

AMEVOL called for a poster contest, to be the image of the National Award for Volunteer Action and Solidarity. It also was the image on the December 2nd National Lottery Bill in celebration of the award and on behalf of IYV+10. This poster also will be the image of the postal stamps officially sealed by the First Lady during the delivery ceremony of the National Award immediately after her return from the UN Assembly in New York City after December 5.

A REPORT FROM SOUTHERN AFRICA

This report comes is based on an email sent us by “The VOSESA Team” on International Volunteer Day. VOSESA is Volunteer and Service Enquiry South Africa, based in Johannesburg. It is led by Dr. Helene Perold who some IAVE members will remember from her participation in past IAVE conferences.

In October, VOSESA convened the Southern Africa Conference on Volunteering for Development in Johannesburg, working in partnership with United Nations Volunteers and a dozen other NGO and government partners.

The VOSESA website – www.vosesa.org.za – has an excellent section devoted to the conference, including major presentations and abstracts of papers prepared for the conference, as well as the conference resolution.

The introductory paragraphs of that resolution read:

“Volunteering is universal, inclusive and embraces free will, solidarity, dignity and trust. Throughout the Southern African region, strong traditions of volunteering are an expression of Ubuntu, the African philosophy and way of life, which connects individuals and communities through reciprocity and provides a powerful basis for unity, common humanity, peace and development.

“In the spirit of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10) we recognize and celebrate the contribution of the millions of volunteers for national and regional development in Southern Africa. In particular, we acknowledge the role of volunteers – men, women, old and young – in poor communities who daily provide the support required to combat the ravages of poverty and ill-health.”

We urge you to visit www.vosesa.org.za to read the full resolution and to learn more about volunteering in Southern Africa.

A REPORT FROM HONG KONG

[From Flora Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Agency for Volunteer Service, and IAVE National Representative in Hong Kong. She can be reached at ceo@avs.org.hk.]

To celebrate the IYV+10 in Hong Kong, Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS) in conjunction with 20 organizations from different sectors formed the IYV+10 Steering Committee in October 2010. Chaired by Mr. J P Lee, AVS Chairman, the IYV+10 Steering Committee liaises and coordinates the celebration activities in Hong Kong to mark the year and to promote volunteerism.

Since the IYV+10 Launching in March 2011, a series of activities have been pledged in Hong Kong, including the “Words of Love” Letter Campaign to encourage Hong Kong residents to write their words of love for the 311 Japan earthquake and tsunami victims and to share their volunteering stories to inspire more volunteering. Letters were delivered to the affected children and families through International Association for Volunteer Effort Japan.

Accepting the proposal of AVS, Hongkong Post issued a set of special stamps on “Volunteerism”, the first ever in Hong Kong to recognize the selfless love of volunteers. To tie with this special issuance, AVS produced a date stamped souvenir cover and a souvenir pack as fabulous gifts for volunteer-involving organizations to recognize volunteers.

Together with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” was launched with the “Best 10 Youth Projects” as a special feature to echo IYV+10 and the International Year of Youth, recognizing the innovative and high impact volunteer programs initiated and organized by youth. Three outstanding projects – promoting anti-drug messages, serving school children in the Mainland and Cambodia – were given prominent recognition among the awarded programs.

The Hong Kong Volunteer Charter, drawn up to stipulate the essence and values of volunteerism, benchmark volunteer practice and set out the service environment conducive to volunteering will be launched to keep the IYV+10 spirit going whilst the Celebrations in Hong Kong conclude in early 2012.

To record the achievements and highlight the numerous activities marking the Year, a commemorative booklet on IYV+10 in Hong Kong would soon be published.

More updated IYV+10 News in Hong Kong is available at www.iyv10.hk

A REPORT FROM KENYA

In Africa, volunteering is taking a positive turn from the misconceived ways about volunteerism to a recognition that actually it contributes to sustainable development. There is less than 10 countries in Africa which have taken volunteerism to a new level are by having policies in place to address volunteer needs. Kenya is no exception. Volunteer Organizations came together in 2004 to discuss on way forward in tackling some of the policy related issues on volunteering. There have been celebrations of the International Volunteer Day (IVD) every 5th Day of December with the diverse themes as volunteerism touches on every single sector of the economy and life in general.

In 2001, the UN declared it as the International Year of Volunteers and a decade later, the Organizations are back again to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10). The theme for this year being Volunteering Matters, the Volunteer Involving Organizations (VIO) network in Kenya shall be celebrating the strides made by the respective organizations in promoting development. There shall be 3 slated regions to celebrate this day namely Nairobi City (the central point), Mombasa City and Nakuru Region led by the Kenya Red Cross, Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO Jitolee) and the UNV. There shall also be a Breakfast Launch of the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report by the United Nations (U.N) in Nairobi.

Throughout the year, various organizations celebrated IYV+10 through the various events which included the Global Youth Service Day (April); Photography for IYV+10 Photo Exhibition (April& May); Forum with the UN Youth Champion (May); Launch of the National Youth Volunteering Scheme (July); IAVE Africa Regional Meeting for IYV+10 (July); Kisumu Peace Festival (August); FORUM IVCO Conference (October); University Academia Symposium (November) and Kenya Model United Nations session (November). As we close the year, much more is planned.

With the support from the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), Kenya Red Cross Society and VSO Jitolee, the VIO network in Kenya will be partnering with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, in whose docket volunteerism falls, and other stakeholders to recognize and celebrate volunteers across the country. Different volunteer organizations will be showcasing the contributions by volunteers in the communities they serve as well as demonstrations on how volunteers contribute towards poverty alleviation and disaster mitigation.

This would be a great milestone for Kenyans as well as organizations working with volunteers at all levels and so the reason for celebrations to begin!

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY AT AMERICAN AIRLINES AND ITS PARTNERS

[From Sam Santiago, corporate representative to the IAVE Board of Directors and chair of IAVE’s Global Corporate Volunteer Council and Director of American Giving at American Airlines.]

American Airlines (AA) coordinated activities for its employee in partnership with New York City Cares and organized a coat drive for the homeless. The effort turned international when American Airlines employees invited colleagues from our Oneworld Alliance partners. These colleagues hailing from as close as Latin America and as far away as Australia – and Europe and Asia in between – recently moved into the same facilities on 2 Park Avenue in New York City. Doing good deeds on International Volunteer Day was not only the right thing to do, but also a great opportunity to bring the new airline partners together as a team.

Also known as the Capital of the World, this cosmopolitan city served as the background for over 100 employees at AA city facilities and others at the three area airports (JFK, LaGuardia and Newark), also supporting food banks and other community organizations. These activities continued through the end of the week followed by additional volunteer projects connected to Season of Giving, the annual campaign for global employee giving and volunteering at American Airlines that ended on December 31st.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

A Reflection on the Asia-Pacific Conference from Mrs. Tajinder Kaur Zora Singh

[We are pleased to have this personal reflection on the conference from the CEO of IAVE member organization Hara Punjab Khara Samaj in Chandigarh, India. She may be reached at singh_zora@yahoo.co.in.]

It was a great pleasure for me to attend the conference. The participants got a chance to express their views on their chosen subjects. Hats off to the organizers for managing this prestigious event flawlessly. I must make a special mention of You Sun Jung and Cheol Hyeon Ahn, both from the conference secretariat, for their professionalism and sincerity in managing this event. My special thanks to our Coordinator Myong-Jae Cha for his guidance and cooperation during my presentation.

I gave a PowerPoint presentation and spoke on the topic of “Volunteering & Climate Changes” along with Kelly B. Schnare of National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. I highlighted the tremendous degradation that has taken place in the environment in Punjab in India and initiatives taken by our organization for protection and preservation of the environment. I came to know about the problems being faced by other countries in the environmental field and how they were tackling those problems.

My suggestion to the Board of Directors of IAVE is that whenever such Conferences are held where the participants discuss some problems that are of universal nature, the participants or other subject experts may suggest solutions to the problems highlighted by the participants so that the participants are benefited from such advice and they may implement those solutions in their respective countries when they return home.